Owners of laser MFPs from the Chinese giant often face a situation where the device stops printing, giving a message about a low level of toner or complete absence of coloring matter. This is a regular situation for Xiaomi Mi Laser Printer, which is solved not by buying a new consumable, but by refilling it. The procedure requires accuracy, but saves significant money, since original cartridges are expensive and their resource is exhausted faster than the physical wear of the mechanism.
Modern models, such as the MJYJTY01YM or the newer Pro series, are equipped with chips that block the device after a certain limit of pages is generated. However, the cartridge design itself allows you to ignore these restrictions or reset them. It is important to understand that the refueling process is not just filling the powder, but a set of actions for the maintenance of the photoreel and magnetic shaft, on the condition of which the quality of future documents depends.
The toner dust is extremely volatile and harmful to the airways, so it is strongly advised to carry out all manipulations in a well-ventilated room, preferably on a surface that is easy to clean from black spots. Ignoring precautions can lead to contamination of clothing and furniture, which is then difficult to get rid of.
⚠️ Attention: Inhaling toner vapors or getting them into the eyes can cause an allergic reaction or irritation of the mucous membranes. Always use a protective mask and gloves when handling consumables.
In this article, we will examine the preparation process, the technology of filling different types of cartridges and methods of combating software locks, learn how to distinguish original consumables from compatible counterparts and understand why sometimes a printer refuses to work even with a full cartridge.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
You don't need the right toolkit to refuel. You'll need not only the toner itself, but also a set of tools to keep the process clean and the printer's nodes safe. The main element is a laser printer toner, specifically designed for the LaserJet technology used in Xiaomi devices. Using low-quality universal powders can cause the substance to sinter inside the stove and the thermal fixer to fail.
To open the cartridge, you will need a small cross screwdriver, as well as a flat screwdriver or a special plastic tool to open the latches. In some models, the screws can be hidden under stickers, so carefully inspect the body of the consumable from all sides. Also prepare lilaless wipes, isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts and the photo drum, and a funnel for a careful filling of the powder.
Organise the space so that light falls from the side rather than from the top, so you can see fine details and dirt better. Cover the table with thick paper or plastic film, which, when you finish the work, you can just throw away with the powder, which will save cleaning time and prevent black dust from spreading throughout the house.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (cross-haired) PH1, PH2 flat).
- 🧴 Bottle with toner (compatible with HP 12A/Canon 703).
- 🧻 Whip wipes and isopropyl alcohol.
- 🛡️ Protective gloves, mask and glasses.
- 💡 Bright lamp for illumination of the working area.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a vacuum cleaner to collect a toner that is emptied unless it has a special filter. HEPA. A typical household vacuum cleaner will throw fine dust back into the air through the exhaust hole, creating a dangerous cloud.
Make sure you have a container for used parts and used wipes on hand. All components of the cartridge, except the case itself and the metal shafts, are consumables and require proper disposal. Store the toner in a closed container away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as the powder is hygroscopic and can be healed in high humidity.
Cartridge extraction and primary diagnosis
The first step is to remove the cartridge from the device. Open the front cover of the Xiaomi Mi Laser Printer printer and gently pull the handle of the consumable unit. Movements should be smooth, without jerking, so as not to damage the plastic guides or gears of the drive. If the cartridge is stuck, do not use force - check if it is disturbed by a foreign object or crumpled paper.
After removal, inspect the cartridge for visible damage. Notice the condition of the photo drum, which is a green or blue shaft that should not have scratches, scuffs or staples. Any mechanical damage to the surface of the photo drum will result in black stripes or spots on the prints that cannot be repaired by refueling.
Also check the magnetic shaft, which is usually gray or black and parallel to the photoreel, should not have a sticky toner or corrosion. If you see defects on these key elements, a simple refill may not solve the printing quality problem, and you will need to replace worn parts or the entire cartridge.
It is important to remember or photograph the position of gears and levers before disassembly, so that there are no errors in the assembly. In some models of Xiaomi cartridges, the design may vary slightly depending on the batch, so visual control will help avoid unnecessary problems. Carefully place the cartridge on the prepared surface, avoiding direct bright light on the photo drum, since it is sensitive to illumination.
Cartridge disassembly and cleaning process
Disassembling the cartridge is the most important step, requiring care. Usually the case consists of two main parts connected by screws and plastic latches. First, you need to twist all the visible screws, and then gently unclose the latches on the sides. Do not use metal tools to open plastic clips without protection, so as not to leave scratches on the case, which in the future may cause skewed parts.
After the body is separated, you'll see two main sections: a toner bin and a workout bunker. The waste toner must be removed completely, as mixing it with fresh powder will dramatically worsen the print quality and can damage the dosing blade. Sprinkle the contents of the workout compartment into a prepared package and thoroughly wipe the inner walls with a dry wipe.
Pay special attention to cleaning the rackel (refueling knife) and the magnetic shaft. The surface of the rack should not be microscopic serrated or sticky debris. Wipe the shaft with a dry lilac wipe, removing the remains of the old toner. If there are stains on the shaft that are not removed by a dry cloth, you can slightly moisten the napkin with isopropyl alcohol, but after that the shaft should dry completely before assembly.
- 🔍 Remove the side covers by unscrewing the screws.
- 🗑️ Empty the workout bunker from the old powder.
- 🧼 Wipe the magnetic shaft and photodrum with a dry napkin.
- 🔎 Check the condition of the rackel for defects.
- 🌬️ Blow the internal cavities with compressed air (cautiously!).
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to wipe the photoreel with alcohol or aggressive solvents, this destroys its sensitive photosensitive layer, and the shaft will become unfit for printing. Use only dry soft wipes.
Check the sealing foam pads between the cartridge halves. If they are worn, flattened or torn, they will pour a toner into the printer, which will lead to serious contamination of the mechanism and the appearance of background on the sheets. If necessary, replace the pads or carefully restore their position, ensuring tight fitting of the parts.
Technology of filling with a new toner
Moving on to the main step of filling the bunker with fresh toner. Xiaomi Mi Laser Printer models most often use a toner compatible with HP 12A (Q2612A) or Canon 703 cartridges, as they are structurally identical. Before filling, shake the powder bottle well to break possible lumps and ensure uniformity of the mixture.
Find a filling hole on the cartridge body. In the original cartridges, it is often covered with a plastic cap or screw. If there is no special hole, it can be carefully drilled in the toner manufacturer's specified location, but in most cases, it is enough to remove one of the side caps or bend the valve. Insert the bottle nose into the hole and slowly squeeze the toner, periodically tapping the cartridge body so that the powder is evenly distributed inside.
Don't fill the bunker "up top" and leave a small air gap. The excess pressure inside the cartridge can cause the toner to start pouring out through the seals immediately after installation, even if all the gaskets are intact. Optimally fill about 90-95% of the volume designed for one full refill.
☑️ Quality control of refuelling
Once filled, close the filling hole carefully. If you've removed the lid, put it in place and lock it with screws. Make sure all screws are twisted evenly, without any skews that might deform the body. Shake off the excess toner from the outside of the cartridge with a dry wipe.
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Use a funnel that comes complete with a toner, or make an improvised one from a piece of paper to minimize the powder’s contact with air and surfaces.
If you are switching to a toner from another manufacturer, it is advisable to carry out a complete cleaning of the bunker to avoid mixing chemical compositions, which can adversely affect the fixability of the image on the paper.
Assembly and installation of the cartridge in the printer
The assembly is done in reverse disassembly. Connect the two halves of the cartridge, making sure that all the gears are in their slots and rotate freely. The drive mechanism must work silently and without jamming. If you feel resistance when you turn the gear with your hand, take the cartridge apart again and check that the shafts and springs are properly installed.
Once the body is connected, check the mobility of all the levers. Carefully distribute the toner inside the cartridge, making several horizontal swings (left-right), without turning the cartridge upside down, this will help the powder to take the correct position before the first pass.
Install the cartridge back into the Xiaomi printer. It should stand in place with a characteristic click. Close the front cover of the device. The printer will begin the initialization procedure, during which the engine will turn the shafts and distribute the toner along the magnetic shaft. This process can be accompanied by a characteristic humming.
| Phase | Action. | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Half-wives | Watch for the gears to enter the grooves |
| 2 | Fixing screws | Do not pull over so that the plastic does not burst. |
| 3 | Toner distribution | Swing horizontally, do not shake vertically |
| 4 | Installation in the printer | All the way down and the characteristic click. |
| 5 | Test printing | Check for stripes and background |
If the printer makes unusual sounds after installation or refuses to grab the cartridge, immediately remove it and check again. Perhaps some part has fallen out of place or interferes with free movement. Forced closure of the lid if the cartridge is installed incorrectly can break the plastic locks of the printer itself.
Software reset and work with the chip
One of the main features of modern Xiaomi printers is the presence of a chip on the cartridge that counts the printed pages. Even if you physically fill the cartridge with the full volume of the toner, the printer can continue to show the error “Toner is empty” or block the print, because the chip “thinks” that the resource is exhausted.
In most cases, for HP 12A-compatible cartridges used in Xiaomi, the chip does not block the print completely, but only ignores the filling level. However, if the device refuses to print, a software reset may be required. For some models, there is a combination of buttons on the control panel that allows you to ignore the warning about the low toner level, usually a long hold on the Cancel button or a combination of on and cancel buttons.
The secret of resetting the page counter
If the software methods don't work, the only solution is to replace the chip with a new one. The chips are sold separately and are inexpensive. To replace, you need to carefully solder the old chip or peel it off (if it's on tape) and install a new one, observing the polarity of the contacts, if applicable. However, most often in Xiaomi cartridges, the chip is simply fixed in a plastic socket.
⚠️ Warning: Trying to reflash a chip with programmers at home without the appropriate experience can cause it to be permanently damaged.
It’s also worth checking the driver settings on your computer. In the printer properties, you can sometimes turn off toner level monitoring. Go to Devices and Printers, select your Xiaomi Printer, click Printer Properties -> Setup (or the Service tab), and look for the option to continue printing at a low toner level.
Diagnosing problems after refueling
After the first test print, carefully study the result. If you see repeated black dots on the sheet, this indicates damage to the photo drum. The distance between the dots will help determine which shaft is damaged (shaft diameter can be calculated from the step of the dots). If the dots are smeared, there is a problem in the stove or poor fixation of the toner.
The appearance of a gray background all over the sheet indicates that the magnetic shaft is worn out or there is a defect on the crankel that allows an extra toner to pass through. Also, the cause may be poor quality of the powder itself or the lack of grounding on the cartridge. Check the contacts on the cartridge and the spring-loaded contacts in the printer's response - they must be clean and elastic.
If the printer is making a loud crack or grinding, stop printing immediately. Most likely, the cartridge gears are not engaged with the printer drive or the mechanism got shavings from worn parts. Operating the device in this mode will cause the teeth on the gears of the printer engine to be cut off, which is a difficult and expensive repair.
- 📄 Black stripes - damaged photo drum or racket.
- 🌫️ Gray background - wear of a magnetic shaft or a bad toner.
- 🔊 Cocking - a problem with the gears of the drive.
- 🚫 “No Cartridge” Error – Dirty Contacts or a Sat Chip.
- 📉 Pale printing – low quality toner or discharged photodrum.
Regular maintenance and proper refueling allow you to significantly extend the life of your Xiaomi printer.Remember to periodically clean the insides of the printer from the waking toner using dry wipes or a special brush, but avoiding dust on the optics of the scanner (if it is a MFP).
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The quality of printing is 80% dependent on the condition of the photoreel and magnetic shaft, not just the amount of powder in the bunker.